"It will be difficult, but beating Barcelona would be like a coming of age for Man City, very important for our confidence and international recognition," Silva told the Manchester Evening News.

"It is a pity that we are without Sergio Aguero and possibly Fernandinho, who is very important for us in midfield. Sometimes we get a bit broken in midfield, there is too much separation between lines when we go forward, and are susceptible to the counter attack."